Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 528

Darlene was absolutely fuming. The last thing she needed was Keith's so-called "honor."

She glared at him for what felt like an eternity before finally conceding defeat. Stuffing the check back into her jeans pocket, she said with a hint of sarcasm, "Well, since you have such high regard for our agency, I suppose I'll just have to accept."

"Just remember, Keith," she added, her tone dry, "don't think you can bother me every other day for updates."

He had claimed time wasn't an issue, so she planned on dragging this out for years if necessary, just to see if he'd still want to work with her.

"I trust your integrity," Keith replied smoothly, leaving Darlene momentarily speechless.

Her agency was among the top in the industry, not just because of her skills, but also because they were known for their reliability. They never stalled for extra cash or upped their fees halfway through a project.

Realizing she wouldn't get out of this one, she resigned herself to following through professionally. "Thank you for your trust, Keith."

Darlene's attempt to decline the job had failed, and she wasn't in the mood to linger. "I won't keep you any longer, Keith. Goodbye."

Keith stood, ready to see her out. "I'll walk you to the door."

"No need," Darlene declined, but Keith was persistent, already holding the door open. She, however, made a beeline for the window.

Instinctively, Keith followed, but before he could reach her, she spun around with a nimbleness that left him grasping at air as she slipped past him and out the door.

Quick on his feet, Keith chased after her.

Meanwhile, next door, Stefan and Lucinda were lounging in bed, wrapped up in each other and whispering sweet nothings. Suddenly, Stefan's sharp ears picked up the sound of someone tampering with their lock. He motioned for Lucinda to be silent and slipped off the bed to hide behind the door.

Lucinda, now alert, began searching for something to defend herself with. But before she could find anything suitable, the door burst open and shut again swiftly.

Lucinda turned to see her husband already grappling with an intruder.

Holy cow! An actual burglar!

She couldn't believe it. Sunnyglade Abbey was supposed to have top-notch security, yet here was a burglar, and a female one at that!

Darlene cursed under her breath. Last time, she'd managed to slip out through the guest room next door to Keith's. With Keith's windows facing a cluster of trees where his bodyguards likely kept watch, she wanted to avoid a direct confrontation. But this time, she stumbled upon Stefan and Lucinda's occupied room.

What on earth was going on with the Blue family? Lucinda was the eldest daughter, yet they had her staying in a guest room?

Darlene was adept at stealth and could handle most situations, but Stefan was a formidable opponent. She wasn't necessarily losing, but she wasn't gaining any ground either, and she had no desire to stay locked in combat. Despite several attempts to break away, Stefan stuck to her like glue.

Finally, as Lucinda caught sight of Darlene's silver butterfly mask, she called out, "Stefan, hold up!"

Stefan hesitated, but it was too late to stop his kick, which narrowly missed Darlene's face.

Darlene's heart raced. She hadn't expected Stefan to be this skilled.

Seizing the moment, she dashed for the window, not wanting to engage any further. Just as she reached it, a shadow loomed, and she instinctively defended herself, only to realize it was Lucinda. Swiftly pulling back, she felt the cool air as Lucinda snatched her mask away.

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